ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996 TAG: 9601110119
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: MIAMI
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder/Tribune
Jimmy Johnson's legend will continue to flourish today when he becomes the Miami Dolphins' coach. Seven years after replacing Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry in Dallas, Johnson will replace future Hall of Fame inductee Don Shula.
Johnson is expected to sign a four- or five-year contract that will average more than $2 million per season in salary and other inducements.
Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga and Johnson would not confirm a deal was done Wednesday. They did joke they were within a hair of finalizing the negotiations.
``One of the big issues is Jimmy has to shave his head,'' Huizenga said as he and his new coach posed for reporters.
Johnson answered: ``And that's a big hang-up.''
There is no ``big hang-up.'' The only thing that could keep Johnson from becoming the Dolphins' coach today is an unforeseen change of heart overnight by the former University of Miami coach.
A news conference is tentatively set for this afternoon at the Dolphins' Nova Southeastern University training facility.
``It's a new game for everyone, and it's a lot different than when Jimmy left'' the Cowboys after the 1993 season, New England Patriots coach Bill Parcells said between wagers at nearby Gulfstream Park. ``The economics and the transitory nature of teams have changed. Jimmy was just starting out when I was coaching in New York. We only went against each other just two games.''
Johnson has an 0-4 record against Parcells. He is the only AFC East Division coach against whom he has a losing record. He is 1-0 against Indianapolis' Ted Marchibroda, 4-2 against New York's Rich Kotite and 2-1 against Buffalo's Marv Levy.
Remember that record against Levy. The Dolphins have lost 12 consecutive games against Levy's Bills in games of importance late in the season or the playoffs. Johnson beat Levy twice in a row in games that really meant something - the Super Bowl.
Reaching that championship plateau is without question Johnson's highest priority starting today
``There's no question the opportunity is here,'' Johnson said.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB